Episode 1 recap: Mei Lin's Mission to Assassinate the Butcher General
In Episode 1, the Kingdoms of Dayan and Xiyan have been at war for a long time. The third prince, Mu Rong Jing He, leads his elite troops to reclaim Qingzhou, but tragedy strikes when a great fire breaks out, resulting in the death of Mei Lin's father, Mei Dashan, as he tries to protect her. Mei Lin unexpectedly acquires a token from the Wei Bei army, leading to a misunderstanding that Mu Rong Jing He is the "Butcher General" who massacred the citizens of Qingzhou in revenge. As a result, he is demoted to Jingbei.
Ten years later, driven by a desire for vengeance, Mei Lin joins the Dark Factory, where she becomes an assassin. Every day is a battle for survival as she seeks to avenge her father. The training at the Dark Factory is brutal, teaching her resilience and ruthlessness, yet she clings to her conscience, striving to prevent other girls from following her path.
Time passes, and Dayan and Xiyan finally reach a peace agreement. To demonstrate goodwill, the King of Xiyan sends a princess and a hundred beauties to marry into Dayan and secure the release of prisoners. Consequently, Mu Rong Jing He, stationed in Jingbei, is chosen as the envoy to welcome the bride.
Mei Lin seizes her chance when the Dark Factory assigns her to the marriage delegation with the mission to assassinate Mu Rong Jing He. She knows this is her only opportunity to escape the Dark Factory and gain her freedom. Although some in the court oppose Mu Rong Jing He's appointment, Crown Prince Mu Rong Xuan Lie believes he is the best candidate to intimidate Xiyan, earning the Emperor’s approval.
As Mei Lin travels with the delegation, she shares the journey with the princess and other attendants, hearing their fears and insults directed at Mu Rong Jing He. Yet, her feelings are conflicted.
Upon arriving in Jingbei, Mu Rong Jing He greets the delegation with arrogance and takes particular notice of the silent Mei Lin. Once inside the city, Mei Lin uses the cover of night to infiltrate the royal palace, searching for an opportunity to assassinate him. She discovers that his bedroom is filled with traps, and his true resting place is hidden in a secret chamber.
During her assassination attempt, she encounters other assassins. After a fierce fight, she disguises herself as a maid delivering medicine and manages to infiltrate Mu Rong Jing He’s medicinal bath. However, he has already anticipated her intentions and the bath conceals a deadly poison. In a moment of desperation, Mei Lin kisses Mu Rong Jing He to distract him and save her own life.
Shocked by her boldness, Mu Rong Jing He ultimately spares her and decides to take her back to Zhao Jing with him. That night, an unexpected emotional bond develops between Mei Lin and Mu Rong Jing He. He admires her courage and intelligence, while she gains a deeper understanding of him, complicating her path to vengeance.
This ten-year feud takes a surprising turn with their reunion. Will Mei Lin find a true opportunity for revenge? And will Mu Rong Jing He change his perception of the people of Qingzhou under her influence? All will be revealed in the days to come.
Comments(Episode 1)